Liverpool legend Dirk Kuyt says Steven Gerrard was the greatest player he ever lined up with – and he’s backing him to excel as a manager too.

Gerrard, 37, has accepted the task of reviving Rangers, with the chance to pit his wits against Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers.

And Kuyt, the Dutchman who spent six years playing alongside the former ­England midfielder at Anfield, reckons the professionalism Gerrard showed when he was one of the world’s top ­players, will stand him in good stead at Ibrox.

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Kuyt, who has been given a boost by the news that Gerrard has agreed to play in his ­Testimonial later this month, said: “Steven Gerrard is the greatest I have ever played with in my life.

“I have learnt so much from him. He is an absolute icon – and I am sure he is going to be a great manager too.”

Gerrard built his reputation as a Reds captain who always led by example.

But Kuyt revealed that Gerrard’s mental strength and positive attitude were his most impressive assets – even when he was dropped from the team.

Kuyt recalled: “I will give you a fine example.

“At ­Liverpool we would have a list of the squad for the next match hanging up on the wall in the dressing room. In those days you were only allowed 16 players. Eleven starting players and five substitutes.

Steven Gerrard with Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso

“In one league match I played in, I looked at the list while Gerrard was standing next to me.

“He looked at the list and did not see his name on it, so he just grabbed his stuff and said ‘boys, I wish you a lot of luck tomorrow.’ And he was gone.

“He showed no emotion. No shouting, no swearing, no slamming of doors.

“He just went home and the next time he was back for training the first thing he did was congratulate all the ­players for getting three points.

“He then went to train ­incredibly hard, already ­focusing on the next match.”

Steven Gerrard shakes hands with fans after being unveiled as Rangers manager